Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Deputies and Citizens Honored at 2018 Lafourche Pride Awards

Several law enforcement officers and local heroes were honored at the 2018 Lafourche Pride Awards Banquet which took place on Saturday, September 15 at Nicholls State University. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees and local citizens were honored for feats of bravery, exceptional work, and dedication to public service during the 25th annual awards program.

Lt. Valerie Martinez-Jordan was awarded the Sheriff’s Star, which is considered one of the highest honors at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Martinez-Jordan was recognized for her outstanding work in the area of domestic violence awareness – specifically for developing a process for law enforcement to identify, track, and monitor domestic abusers who cannot possess firearms based on laws she helped pass in 2014. Her process was developed into a state law in 2018, and Lt. Martinez-Jordan now teaches that process to law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Lt. Martinez-Jordan was one of many law enforcement officers and civilians honored, along with retirees Jane Bascle (13 years), Dale Savoie (14 years), Milfred Zeringue (15 years), Kristin Pitts (15 years), Gene Richard (20 years), DeAnn Barrios (20 years), Gail Meyers (23 years), Alvin Bourgeois (27 years), Mark Adams (28 years), and Chet Caillouet (31 years).

Eight individuals received Medals of Valor for boldness and courage when facing extreme danger. One was awarded to a citizen, Lynette Pitre, who shielded her seven-year-old nephew as they were being shot at during an incident in Golden Meadow in May 2018. Two deputies, Chasity Thompson and Aaron Buckley, received the honor for entering a home engulfed in flames and leading a man inside to safety. Four law enforcement officers involved in a vehicle pursuit in the South Lafourche area in October 2017 were awarded Medals of Valor due to being shot at during the pursuit, and ultimately taking the suspect into custody. Those officers awarded included Sergeant Jeremy Milstead, Deputies Moe Verdin and Walter Theriot, and Louisiana State Trooper Richard Verdin.

A Thibodaux resident, Araya Henry, was given a Lifesaving Medal for pulling her own mother out from under a truck when she was in danger of being run over following a domestic incident involving two others. Deputy Jonathan Crabtree was also given a Lifesaving Medal for jumping into Bayou Lafourche around 3 a.m. one morning to save a woman who had crashed into the bayou. Also receiving Lifesaving Awards were Captain Cortrell Davis, Lieutenant Stanley Jones, Sergeant Denise Boudreaux, Sergeant Patrick Bowen, Agents Patrick Zaruba, Zachary Sciortino, and Deputies Aaron Buckley, Brittney Pecoraro, Michael Leone, Yaun Tullis, Blake Thibodaux, Moe Verdin, Lance LeBlanc and Mike Collason, Nurse Amanda Savoy, and Jay Guidry of Probation and Parole.

Explorer Captain Naomi Winston was honored with a Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding leadership on a local, regional and national level. She was one of six individuals to receive the award, which also included Dr. Bart Denys, a local cardiologist who also volunteers as a reserve deputy. Also honored with Distinguished Service Awards were Sergeant Blair Mitchell, Reserve Deputies James Wendell and La’Kita Robertson, and former employee, Henry Cancienne.

The LPSO Traffic Section and Range Safety Officers were commended for their outstanding work throughout the past year. Others receiving certificates of commendation included Lieutenant John Champagne, Sergeants Derek Champagne, Alex Diaz, Jeremy Milstead, Ronnie Verdon, Jeff Chamberlain, and Robert Mason, Detective Joseph Anderson, Detective Barry Hebert, Deputies Phillip Guidry, Charles Todaro, Joseph Sciortino III, Michelle Verrett, Agents Patrick Zaruba and Zachary Sciortino, Jay Guidry of Probation and Parole, and former traffic guard, Walter LeBlanc.

ABOUT LAFOURCHE PRIDE:
The Lafourche Pride Awards are held annually to recognize and honor Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees and local citizens for feats of bravery, exceptional work, and dedication to public service. The Lafourche Deputies Association sponsors and organizes the program through the financial support of its members who are employees of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Craig Webre utilizes this annual event to publicly honor employees and civilians who perform commendable work, save someone’s life, or perform their job in a distinguished and commendable manner.

Houma Man Wanted for Stabbing Thibodaux Woman

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Houma man is wanted for stabbing a Thibodaux woman in an incident that occurred on Tuesday, September 18. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Joseph Hawkins, 25, of Houma.

At 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, deputies responded to Carol Street in Thibodaux after receiving a call that Hawkins had stabbed a woman and fled the scene. Officers from Thibodaux Police Department and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office also responded to the area to assist in searching for the suspect. Through investigation, detectives learned Hawkins had an argument with the woman at her residence, and as he was preparing to leave the residence, he allegedly stabbed the woman with a knife in the abdomen and fled the scene. The victim was transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans and is scheduled to be released later today.

Hawkins is wanted for Aggravated Second Degree Battery in the incident. His last known address was an apartment on Arlington Avenue in Houma. Anyone with any information on his whereabouts is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

Gheens Man Charged with Third Degree Rape of a Juvenile

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of a Gheens man for Third Degree Rape of a juvenile. Michael Ernst Jr., 40, was arrested Monday, September 17 following an investigation.

Through investigation, juvenile detectives learned Ernst had inappropriate sexual contact with a teenage juvenile in January 2018. Following an investigation, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Detectives made contact with Ernst on Monday, and he was placed under arrest.

Ernst was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center. He was charged with Third Degree Rape. His bond is set at $200,000.

Man Arrested for Attempting to Break into Chackbay Residence Thursday Night

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a man was arrested after attempting to break into a Chackbay residence Thursday night. Daniel Raby, 30, of Bourg faces multiple charges in the incident.

Just after 10 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, deputies responded to Sugar Ridge Drive in Chackbay in reference to a prowler. A resident reported that a man had been knocking at his front door and then attempted to break into the residence. Deputies arrived and discovered Raby in the backyard of the residence, and he was taken into custody. Deputies learned Raby had been knocking at the door when he took a clay pot from the porch and threw it at the glass, attempting to break into the residence.

Raby refused to cooperate with the investigation. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on charges of Attempted Unauthorized Entry into an Inhabited Dwelling, Criminal Trespassing, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property. His bond is set at $27,000.

Detectives Investigating Saturday Afternoon Shooting in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced detectives are currently investigating a shooting in Raceland that has left one man critically injured. The victim was found near the corner of St. Louis Street and Meadow Lane, and he was taken to a hospital. Deputies received the initial call reporting the shooting just after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 15.

Anyone with any other information on this case is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

More information will be released as it can be made available to the public.

Free Hunter Safety Courses Slated for September 2018

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a FREE Hunter Education Classroom Course and a Hunter Education Field Day in September for anyone ages 10 or older.

CLASSROOM COURSE:

The traditional “Classroom Course” is a two-day course covering topics such as hunter responsibility and ethics, how firearms work and firearms safety, survival and first aid skills, firearm handling skills and hunting techniques, wildlife identification, game care, and information related to wildlife conservation and management. The next Classroom Course will be offered Saturday, September 29 through Sunday, September 30, 2018. The first day will be the classroom portion from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Training Academy, located at 1300 Lynn Street in Thibodaux. The class will resume the following day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range located at 3451 Highway 182 in Raceland. Participants must attend BOTH days of the class and pass a written and practical exam to be certified. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for this course.

FIELD DAY:

As an alternative to the two-day course, a Home Study Course is available online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. Those who complete the home study course MUST take their completion voucher to a “Field Day” to complete their hunter education. The next Field Day will be offered on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the LPSO Shooting Range. Entry to the Field Day will be denied unless the completed forms are presented. There will be a written test required to complete the Field Day. Class size is limited. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE to register for the Field Day.

Firearms and ammunition should NOT be brought to any of the courses, but snacks are permitted. For more information, or for assistance with online registration, call the LPSO Training Academy at (985) 387-4480 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email Lieutenant Nolan Smith at nolan-smith@lpso.net.

*Anyone born after September 1, 1969, who wishes to obtain a hunting license in Louisiana, must successfully complete a hunter education course. Exceptions may be granted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for active or veteran members of the United States armed services, for any P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officer, or for persons who are under the direct supervision of a person 18-years or older who is already licensed and has taken the approved course. Exceptions must be applied for and approved by Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Seat Belt & DWI Checkpoints Slated for September 14, 2018

Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct a seat belt checkpoint and a DWI checkpoint on Friday, September 14, 2018, in Lafourche Parish. These checkpoints are designed to help raise awareness for these types of violations and make the highways of the parish safer for all motorists. The seat belt checkpoint will be conducted Friday evening, and deputies will focus on checking motorists for seat belt and safety seat violations. A DWI checkpoint will begin Friday evening and will continue into the early morning hours of Saturday, September 15. During the DWI checkpoint, deputies will be looking for drivers who are possibly impaired while checking for other traffic safety issues.

Sheriff Webre reminds citizens to designate a driver if you are going to drink. Motorists suspected of DWI who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test will lose their driver’s license for one year (first offense). For a second offense, the penalty increases to two years. Anyone convicted of a DWI offense while their driver’s license is suspended because of another DWI offense will face automatic prison time. Lafourche Parish is also a “No Refusal” parish, meaning if a suspected drunk driver refuses a breathalyzer test, deputies will seek a search warrant to have that person’s blood tested.

Lafourche Parish Councilman Arrested for Second Violation of a Protective Order

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Lafourche Parish Council member was arrested on Tuesday for violating a protective order for the second time in three months. James Bourgeois Sr., 51, of Raceland was arrested at a Raceland restaurant following a Lafourche Parish Council meeting on Tuesday evening.

A protective order currently prohibits Bourgeois from coming within 50 yards of Jerry Lafont Jr., another council member. The sole exception to the order is that they may both be present at Parish Council meetings, but they have been ordered to use separate entrances. This came as a result of an altercation between the two men following a Lafourche Parish Council Meeting on April 24, 2018, which resulted in Bourgeois being charged with Simple Battery. Since that time, Bourgeois was charged with violating the protective order on June 12, 2018, when he used the wrong entrance at the council meeting.

On Tuesday, September 11, following the Lafourche Parish Council meeting, Bourgeois entered a restaurant in Raceland where Lafont was present. Through investigation, deputies learned Bourgeois saw Lafont was present, but he remained at the restaurant in violation of the protective order.

Deputies made contact with Bourgeois and he was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux where he was booked with Violation of a Protective Order.

Cut Off Woman Arrested on Multiple Drug Charges

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced the arrest of Trudy Gremillion, 38, of Cut Off after agents found evidence of the alleged sale of narcotics at her residence.

Narcotics agents had been investigating Gremillion for possible distribution of narcotics. At around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, agents executed a search warrant at Gremillion’s residence on West 59th Street in Cut Off. Upon arrival, agents made contact with Gremillion. During the search of the residence, agents discovered 67.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 8.3 grams of suspected marijuana, and 2.3 grams of suspected heroin, as well as Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) pills and drug paraphernalia. They also discovered over $1,200 in cash.

Gremillion was arrested and booked on charges including Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Methamphetamine and Heroin, as well as Possession of Alprazolam, Clonazepam, and Drug Paraphernalia. Her bond is set at $171,000.

One Injured in Tuesday Evening Shooting in Raceland

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced one man was injured in a shooting which occurred Tuesday evening in Raceland.

Just before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, deputies responded to a call of shots being fired in Raceland. Upon arrival to the area, deputies determined the shooting had occurred on Williams Street. According to witnesses, subjects traveling in a light-colored pickup truck fired shots from the truck as it traveled up Williams Street. Several rounds were fired, and one man was grazed by rounds on his chin and left foot. He was ultimately treated and released from a local hospital. Other rounds struck a residence and two vehicles, but no other injuries were reported.

The investigation into this shooting is continuing. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800-743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org. Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.